Current and ex-councillors in the iLembe District Municipality are challenging the way in which sewer tariffs are charged.
In all four of the constituent municipalities that make up iLembe district (KwaDukuza, Ndwedwe, Mandeni and Maphumulo), sewer charges are based on property valuation rates rather than use.
This excludes the Siza Water concession area, in which the volumetric system is used.Former
African National Congress councillor, ‘Babu’ Sing and sitting ActionSA councillor, Michelle Sewraj, believe this is unfair on consumers.
“How can it be right that an unoccupied R2-million house owner has to pay more for their sewer tariff, than a situation where 10 people might be living in a house that is worth R500 000? Surely it should be charged volumetrically,” said Singh.
Allegations have also been made that this policy was adopted without the backing of relevant legislation.
“The tariff policy is fraudulent. ActionSA is unaware of any legislation that supports the municipality’s adopted system,” said Sewraj.
“The value of a property has nothing to do with the sewage. We challenge the municipality to produce any such legislation if it exists,” she said.
In response, iLembe municipal manager Geoffrey Kumalo confirmed that valuation was the method being used, as it has been since 2017/18.
He also said the municipality had the infrastructure in place to charge volumetrically, but that they were following the council adoption.
“Council has adopted this tariff policy and tariff charges. There are by-laws in place which have been gazetted to give effect to the policy.
“Please note that the cost of infrastructure must be maintained at all times, whether the property is vacant or occupied,” he said.
He also said that in the public participation process during the most recent budget approval, only one comment was received on the sewer tariff issue, which was dealt with.
Sewraj said she believed this set a bad precedent going forward, particularly if iLembe retakes administration of the Siza Water concession area in 2029 when the concession ends.
“Residents of the greater Ballito area who live in high value homes might be in for a shock. That is assuming the property valuation roll is correctly done in the first place,” said Sewraj.
If you would like to object to the way in which tariffs are charged, you will need to write to the municipality during the budgeting process.
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